The roots of Strausburg Nursery

It all began in 1963 with the original 11-acre farm on Haines Road just west of Xenia, Ohio. Charles and Janice couldn't afford to purchase, so they asked an investor in town to purchase it with the idea of renting the property until they could it buy from him. Charles already had a good supply of plants that he had propagated, but he realized he needed a barn. He approached the same investor to buy the materials for the barn. Charles constructed the barn and paid more rent to the investor. Next, he needed a greenhouse. He found a greenhouse range at Natorp's in Cincinnati that had partially collapsed. He purchased the salvageable parts and constructed the greenhouse that still stands today.

Charlie’s skill at propagating plants caused a need for additional acreage. He was able to purchase 33 additional acres that were connected to the original 11 acres. So, the expansion began. The need continued for more nursery ground. In 1978 he purchased 50 acres on Upper Bellbrook Rd (now mostly developed into Commercial and Retail) and moved into the 1875 farmhouse on the property. With a still increasing demand for more nursery stock, Charles acquired an additional 32 acres on the southeast side of Upper Bellbrook Rd in the mid 80's. Increasing pressure from developers lead Charles to sell the 50-acre farm and relocate the nursery to a new 200-acre farm in Spring Valley where we are today.

The Nursery is now run by Charlie's step son, Ross Apple, and his wife Barb.